How to Choose Under-Cabinet Kitchen Lighting

In the kitchen, it’s extremely important to be able to see while performing tasks. Whether you’re chopping vegetables, using a hot stovetop or paying bills at the kitchen island, you need adequate light for safety and to avoid mistakes. Do you ever find your kitchen to be too dim? You may have thought about an additional light fixture, but likely don’t have room! Under-cabinet lighting is a smart and effective way to illuminate your kitchen while saving space.

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Under-Cabinet Lights

Styles of Under-Cabinet Lighting

If you decide to install under-cabinet lighting in your kitchen, the first step is to choose a style. There are three main types:

  • Light Bars: This style distributes the most light. Although light bars provide general illumination, their thin tube shape keeps them hidden from view.
  • Puck Lights: These circular lights distribute more concentrated light, which would work well inside a cabinet or other small space.
  • Tape Lights: This style of under-cabinet lighting is often used for decorative purposes. It comes in flexible strips for easy indoor and outdoor use.

Whether you need additional ambient, focused or accent lighting, we have under-cabinet options for all kitchen applications.

What to Consider Before Installation

Once you have selected a style of under-cabinet lighting, make sure you choose lights that fit your spaces. Light bars should be about the same width as your cabinets, while tape lighting is more adaptable. If you have chosen puck lights, place them about a foot apart to create individual, focused “pools” of illumination. When it comes time to install the lights, place them towards the front of cabinets, rather than the back for better distribution.

Plug vs. Hardwired Lighting

Do you want to plug your under-cabinet lights into an outlet or operate them from a switch? There are plug-in and direct wire solutions available, both with their own pros and cons. Plug-in under-cabinet lighting better suits the “do-it-yourself” mentality, since it can be installed without an electrician. You can also move the light bars, pucks or tape around the kitchen as you please. On the other hand, hardwired under-cabinet lighting keeps cords from sight and makes it easier to link multiple light sources to one switch.
 
If you are looking to better illuminate your kitchen, under-cabinet lighting could be the solution. To learn more about our efficient LED options, visit our Hartford or Southington showroom today!

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